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Hot tub overlooks ocean. 5 minute stroll through park to stairs to beach. 1 mile to Capitola Village. View of the Monterey Bay Sanctuary across to Pacific Grove/Monterey. See Dolphins, Whales, paddleboarding, kayaking,surfing, right off 20 mile long dog friendly beach. See New Brighton State Beach for location.

PLEASE DO NOT CONSIDER IF you have young unsupervised children as property is not safe, not fenced and covered but unlocked hot tub. No weddings or wedding parties of any type allowed per insurance, this is not a party house, it is a serene environment good for families and friends..

POEM'S BY OUR GUESTS: two precious poems by twin 9 year old girls while staying at Dolphinwatch - Spring 2008

Listen, by Paris B

Bolting, crashing, smashing, dipping, coming in and coming out, it pauses and starts again, like fireworks and granaides, you can hear it roar, it's trying to tell you something but you aren't lisening, the ocean is calling to you . . .

Ocean Blue, by Olivia B

light blue horizon can touch the gentle waves crashing on the shore will make it go astray touching every creature moving in its path better not get too close or it will go crash

Ocean Blue bright as dew birds skimming and looking for fish, fish jumping, seals swimming, all in its path

guest book comment 06/06: every time I looked out over the fabulous view from my place on the chaise, or relaxed om the luch blankets on each bed, or watched my sister floating happily in the hot tub, I kept hearing Humphrey Bogart's voice echoing in my head, saying wistfully 'the stuff that dreams are made of.' And he was right this place seems to have materialized out of a dream . . .

About pam (owner)

We are retired, Bruce - a surgeon and Pam, an RN nurse/100ton USCG master mariner, bought an old beach shack 25 yrs ago, rebuilt and have owned this home since 1994. Often offshore sailing, kiteboarding or diving.

We, of course, are at this magnificent property ourselves which is why it is often not available.. We hope you enjoy this special paradise as much as we do. Thank you for your interest.

pam (owner) purchased this house in 1994

Why pam (owner) chose Aptos

Unique, on of a kind location unparalled location, close to all that is wonderful in Santa Cruz County and Monterey Bay. No other property in the county offers the isolation and privacy while easy access to the sand and amenities. Not in a residential area, very very private and quiet. Jacuzzi overlooking ocean and below secret sun deck.

What makes this house unique

Best location in Santa Cruz County, 25 mile long beach below house, easy direct access to boating, paddleboarding, surfing, fishing, hiking, great mountainbiking, golfing and best walking village - Capitola feel you are at a very special place, magical, alluring. Drive 45 minutes to Pebble Beach, Carmel, Monterey, 1.5hrs to San Francisco, 3 hrs Yosemite. 5 hours to Lake Tahoe.

Reviews

5

based on 6 traveler reviews

Five Star Paradise!!

5
of 5

This home is exquisite and luxurious, while being warm, inviting and comfortable.

As with the other reviews, highest marks go to the incredible view, which the owners can't take credit for. But they can take credit for providing three (!) fabulous levels of decks from which to enjoy it! Eat your meals under the shade of a large canopy, drink you morning ooffee or read a book under the smaller canopy or move the chairs into the sun, go down a level to use the hot tub or sit around the fire pit with your evening wine, walk down the steps to yet another, hidden deck with lounge chairs and sitting area - again with a choice of sun or shade.

Choose any one of these vantage points from which to watch dolphins, sea birds, hummingbirds, the occasional visiting cat, and even a family of deer. Not to mention glorious sunsets and, on clear days, views of Capitola and Monterey. And, you can enjoy the same views from inside the house, courtesy of floor to ceiling glass in the living room and bedroom. Not to mention falling asleep and waking up to the sounds of the surf.

On the more practical side: the kitchen is well-equipped, directions provided for use of all appliances, a book of helpuful travel hints for dining and hiking, a cooller for picnics, lots of books, movies and board games, the beds are very comfy. As we were told upon booking, cell coverage is spotty at best (nothing for Verizon, better for AT&T), but calling from the parking area was a relativiely consistent solution. We had a problem with the blinds in the master bedroom, which I mention only to point out how quickly it was resolved - someone came to repair them within half an hour of our phone call!!

So, only one suggested improvement:

Given how much time we spent on the aforementioned decks, the cushions could be more comfortable. Those on the chairs around the firepit are thin over the iron slats and those on the chaises fall a little short for a tall person.

And, the only complaint? It's almost impossible to leave in order to explore the area. But, we did manage to hike in Castle Rock SP, zipline and go to the farmer's market in Felton, visit Point Lobos (our favorite!), hit the boardwalk in Santa Cruz, a food tour in Capitola and wonderful meals at Shadowbrook and Quail and Thistle.

If we get back to this area, we will not even look for another place to stay!!!!

The view was amazing

5
of 5

We had an awesome time. Words can not even explain the beauty of your home. The view was so amazing,I almost cried. I have no complaints whatsoever. Driving up to the house is a beautiful wooded area.We even saw deer.As you walk in the house your view out the back is the bay.The home is beautifully decorated.My father -in -law said "This is not a beach house ,This is a hollywood home." This is clearly a Dolphin Watch home. You sit by the firepit and they are right there in plain view.The beach is only a short walk away. As you lay in bed at night you hear the waves.This home is everything they describe and much more.We did not want to leave. You are in your own paradise, but the store and boardwalk are just minutes away. There is alot to do in the area.The funny thing is each day we would leave for a couple of hours and be rushing to get back .This is where we will be going every year for vacation.

Can't say enough

5
of 5

We have rented many places all over the US. This was my favorite. I almost hate to recommend it. There is tons to do in the area, but we had a hard time pulling ourselves away from the house. You could sit out at the firepit and watch Monterey Bay all day and evening. As a residential architect I was very impressed with the level of detail and attention to design throughtout the house. As you approach the house you feel like you are driving thru you own private forrest, to arrive at what looks like a small hidden house that blows your socks off when you the approach then open the front door. The house sits on the cliff over the homes on the beach. You quickly realize this vantage point is far superior to the homes on the beach. Much better view, tons of privacy. Can't say enough...

Submitted: Jul 10, 2012

Stayed: Jun 2012

Source: HomeAway

Owner's Response: Reading this review made me cry. I take personal pride and interest in providing the best vacation experience possible and appreciate it when my guests have such a memorable stay.

Best place we've ever stayed on the west coast!

5
of 5

The Dolphin Watch House was even better than we expected! The owners Pam and Bruce have gone out of their way to make this home an extra special place to stay. The views were amazing, the house was very private, and the beds and linens were top notch! Landscaping was excellent, the ocean view hot tub was great, and the nightly visits from the deer made it feel like home! Plenty of seating for everyone indoors and out! We have never been so sad to leave a vacation rental! Location was awesome as well. House is down a private gated lane just a hop, skip and a jump off HWY 1.

We did find that we could not use both showers at once. The water pressure and hot water would be zilch in the garden view bathroom. We contacted Bruce and Pam and they responded very quickly and are going to send someone to look at it. They had just gotten a new boiler. We were able to stagger our showers with no problems and the hot water lasted forever! We could not get the propane grill to work, but the charcoal grill worked great! It was fun cooking on charcoal and looking at the ocean. The house also heats through the floor, that was great for the cool evenings! The garden view master bedroom does not have a TV. The living room and ocean view room both had great TVs......but who would watch TV when they could watch the ocean?! We did not have cell phone reception and our last 4 days there we could not pick up Internet with wifi or our iPhone's. Again, we were not sad about that either, we enjoyed the peace and quiet! Owners are building behind the dolphin watch house, but with the location and setting of the homes it does not make it any less private or obstruct any views. The Dolphin Watch house is in its own private paradise! The owners have a very handy book with suggestions and local things to do in the house for renters. We will certainly rent this home again, and we can not wait!

A very special place

5
of 5

The view is amazing and the grounds are beautiful. The house is 1st class and has everything you might need. Pam and Bruce make an extra effort to make you feel at home. Capitola is a cute beach town with lots of shops and good food.

PLEASE EMAIL for availability. Calender may be inacurate due to pending bookings and can change at any time. See DOG FRIENDLY New Brighton State Beach. GOOGLE IS IN ERROR DO NOT USE. A short 10 minute stroll through the park takes you to the stairs to the beach. The beach is 25 miles long going south. Capitola Village is 1/2 mile north. The park and beach are DOG FRIENDLY. The property is private , surrounded by 150 acres of open space and trees, accessed by a 1000 ft private, gated drive, 100 ft from nearest home, far from a public road. The only sounds you will hear are the waves breaking below the house. private sunbathing deck hidden below house on bluff, plenty of parking.

Other Activities: mountain biking, unreal hiking, cycling, kayaking, surfing, SUP, paddle board below house,access through park, pier with power boats for rent for fishing or viewing dolphin, otters, fishing off beach for very large sea bass and halibut, salmon in season, dungeness crab during season.

Aptos House Rental Rates

Additional information about rental rates

Cleaning

$185
+ Tax

Property Damage Protection

$49

Tax Rate

11.0%

Notes

ALWAYS ASK FOR CURRENT PRICE FOR YOUR STAY DATES. SUMMER AND HOLIDAYS PAYMENT DUE 90 DAYS PRIOR TO OCCUPANCY avg rate $3500 - $4900 WK + fees, rate is dependent on time of year, holidays and summer, special events, as well as number of days rented. 3 DAY MINIMAL CHARGE due to high turnover cost, 5 DAY MINIMUM SUMMER. Calender may not be up to date. Winter monthly rate highly discounted.

Payment is usually accepted in the quoted currency (USD) unless the currency and the amount is specifically agreed in advance with the owner / advertiser.

entire first floor accessible with no stairs - 2 king size suites ground level - no stairs from parking through house on out to deck, easy for wheelchairs or walkers( gravel on drive for short distance)
upstairs bedroom and loft share downstairs bathroom (shower). shower walker accessible, however not legally compliant for handicap requirements.
1 queen is in open loft upstairs. Other queen upstairs in bedroom with a full size futon, and twin daybed. Futon must be moved to floor off daybed to use.
Upstairs Not Safe For Young Children.

Two king suites downstairs with private full baths with tubs, 1 bedroom upstairs which includes a queen bed, a double size futon which is on top of a a single size bed, all in the same room. Outside this room room is a queen bed in open loft area, semi-private, no walls, fabulous place to sleep, whitewater view. The upstairs has a 1/2 bath, the shower for all upstairs guests is downstairs The two suites downstairs have full baths each, one on the ocean and one facing garden. Maximum of eight adults, 2 per bed, children and singles can sleep on huge sofas in living room and total guests can be 10 for sleeping purposes. room in both downstairs rooms for a crib (not supplied) No toddlers or young children allowed upstairs due to safety concerns. May not be considered safe for young children. Level with no steps from drive into house and onto deck, can easily maneuver wheelchair hard surface (stone)- first floor, 2nd floor not suitable for young children, not safe.

Entertainment:

Books ...

Books for Adults

DVD Player

Games ...

Music Library ...

Radio

Satellite / Cable ...

Stereo

Television

Video Library ...

Communication / Internet:

fax

Outside:

Barbecue

Beach Chairs

Beach Towels

Boat ...

Deck / Patio ...

Golf ...

Kayak / Canoe ...

Outdoor Grill ...

Outdoor Grill Gas

Patio

Small Cooler

Terrace

Unscreened Porch / Veranda

Walkway to Water

Water Sports Gear ...

Wood Deck

6 garden chairs

6 beach chairs

Suitability:

Minimum Age Limit for Renters ...

not suitable for children ...

pets considered ...

suitable for elderly or infirm

wheelchair accessible ...

Pool / Spa:

Hot Tub ...

Jacuzzi

Outdoor Hot Tub

Attractions:

bay/sound

churches

cinemas

coin laundry

forests

library

marina

museums

restaurants

synagogues

winery tours

Leisure Activities:

antiquing

beachcombing

bird watching

horseback riding

scenic drives

sight seeing

walking

whale watching

Local Services & Businesses:

ATM/bank

fitness center

groceries

laundromat

massage therapist

medical services

Sports & Adventure Activities:

cycling

deepsea fishing

fishing

golf

golf privileges optional

hiking

mountain biking

pier fishing

sailing

scuba diving or snorkeling

sound/bay fishing

surf fishing

surfing

swimming

tennis

wind-surfing

Notes:

Please note that this is a private residence and does have a non licensed local property manager. This is a great place for dogs! It is not child safe and we discourage very young children due to location, no fencing, on bluff, hot tub covered but not locked . Access to the house is direct from the gravel drive, No stairs, wheel chairs and walkers have direct access and shower downstairs can be accessed with walker. Huge parking area for 6 cars at least.
BUT PLEASE, OUT OF RESPECT FOR THIS SPECIAL HOME, No large groups, 12 max . No wild parties, No weddings, per insurance. No outdoor music allowed. Road is video monitored.